That beats the previous record set by Citigroup on Feb. 5, 2001, when its value reached $283.4bn, the data show.

Wells Fargo, which counts Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway as its largest shareholder, doubled its size in 2008 by outmaneuvering Citigroup to purchase Wachovia. Chief Executive Officer John Stumpf made one of every four U.S. mortgages last year and now oversees the most U.S. bank branches.

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.